MUSIC IN ISLAM

Introduction

In recent years, certain developments have taken place which has brought the subject of music as an extremely significant issue.· Music has spread to such an extent that it is afflicting every muslim in this modern era. Today, individuals are being confronted by a situation where one is forced to listen to music whether by choice or without. Music is played in nearly all department stores and super markets. Even whilst walking in the streets, we find cars blaring with music. No matter which direction we go, we are blasted with music. The increasing popularity of music, which is prevalent in our society poses a tremendous danger for Muslims.· 

Music is Haraam

References within the context of the Holy Qur`aan along with the Hadith of the Prophet Sallalahu alihi wa sallam (Peace be upon him) confirm that music is haraam. 
Interpreters of the Qur`aan have defined the term `lahwal hadith` which is mentioned in the Qur`aan as: 

1) Singing and listening to songs. 
2) Purchasing of male and female singers. 
3) Purchase of instruments of fun and amusement.

When Sayyidana Abdullah Ibne Mas`ood radiyallahu Anhu (Allah be pleased with him), a very close companion of our Prophet Sallalahu alihi wa sallam (Peace be upon him) was asked about the meaning of the term `lahwal hadith`, he replied 
“I swear by Him besides whom there is no other God,that it refers to ghinaa (singing ).”

This statement, he repeated three times. This view is unanimously supported by the four Khalifas, the eminent Sahabaah, Tabi`een, the four Imaams and other reliable Islamic scholars and authorities. 

One hadith from the Bukhari Shareef, the most authentic Book of Hadith, further confirms unlawfulness of music and singing : 
`There will be people of my Ummah who will seek to make lawful; fornication, wine-drinking and the use of ma`aazif ( musical instruments ).`

Detailed analysis of the arabic word `ma`aazif ` shows that it refers to musical instruments, the sounds of those musical instruments and singing with the accompaniment of instruments. 

Closer analysis of the wordings of the Hadith establishes the prohibition of music. Firstly, the words `seek to make lawful ` shows that music is not permissible, as logically one can only seek to make lawful that which is not allowed. Secondly, if music was not prohibited, then it would not have been brought within the same context as fornication and wine-drinking.· 

Music - It's Effects

Muslims are aware that nothing has been prohibited by Allah except that which is harmful to the welfare of a Muslim individual and the society as a whole. The divine attribute behind the prohibition of music can be comprehended by looking into the diverse influence music can have. 

Experiments carried out by doctors and professors have confirmed that the music of today is such that it does not only affect the brain, but each and every organ of one`s body. There is a close relationship between music and bodily movements. We find that people listening to music automatically start tapping their fingers and feet, as if the music is permeating in their blood. 

It is also proved that music affect`s one`s emotions, increases arousal in terms of alertness and excitement and also leads to various physiological changes in the person. In a psychology experiment, it was found that listening to moderate type of music increased one`s normal heart beat, whilst listening to rock music the heart beat increased even further, yet people claim that music has no effect. 

It is a very ignorant and misguided attitude to perceive music as a form of pleasure and passing of time, since the messages of today`s music follow a general theme of love, fornication, drugs and freedom. 

We find that the whole world is obsessed with the kufr idea of freedom, i.e. freedom of speech, freedom of movement, etc. In modern schools· and universities, we observe independence, free expression and secular thinking being encouraged. This idea of freedom, “ It`s my life, I`ll do what I want” is a predominant, underlying theme of today`s music. It is being used as a means for drilling those modern ideologies that are totally contrary to Islamic Shariah and values, into the minds of Muslims. 

One should abstain from evil audacity's such as listening to music and encourage others to do the same too. 

MAY ALMIGHTY ALLAH GUIDE US ALL TO THE STRAIGHT PATH - Ameen.

FIRST APRIL - A DISHONEST TRADITION!

1st April - a day when people lie, play jokes and mock in the name of entertainment. This ugly practice of lying and deceiving,which is considered to be merely a
humor, is known to have caused great harm to many...! Still this dishonest tradition is not only practiced among the common masses,but also newspapers and magazines
participate in it by publishing false news 
and untrue stories! Much is said about the origin of this
practice, however what concerns the most to the Muslims is that it is a
tradition which directly CONTRADICTS the teachings and morals of Islam. True belief in Allah and the Day of
Judgment implies that the person is truthful in his speech - if he truly believes
that Allah Hears and Sees everything he does, and a Day will come when he will 
be held accountable for his actions, then he will not lie... 

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said,"Let he, who truly 
believes in Allah and the Last Day speak good or be silent."[Saheeh al-Bukhari]

 

'APRIL FOOL IS PROHIBITED IN ISLAM'

Your best friend comes up to you and tells you news that makes you jump for joy. No sooner have you expressed your happiness than he quickly tells you it is untrue. You stare at him blankly an asked him why he lied. He says to you: “It’s April Fool’s Day.

Does Islam sanction such behavior? Can it regard such behavior as a harmless custom? Can we concoct lies containing happy or sad news, as long as we quickly inform the other person that it is a lie or cry out “April Fools!”?

To start with, we must know that a lie is defined as giving information about something, where that information is at variance with the truth. A lie is forbidden in Islam.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Be truthful, for indeed truth guides us to righteousness, and righteousness leads us to Paradise. A man remains honest and steadfast in ascertaining the truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person. A lie guides us to wickedness, and wickedness leads us to Hell. A man keeps lying and seeking out lies until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (6134) and Sahîh Muslim (2607)]

 —

WHY MUSLIMS SHOULD NEVER HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR TERRORISM

You wake up in the morning to hear your wife screaming at you because it’s pouring rain outside. She hates the rain and now her day is ruined because of you. You go downstairs only to hear your children yell at you because they broke the toaster. They can’t have waffles now and it’s all your fault. On the way to work, you stop and fill up gas only to hear everyone at the gas station curse you out because gas prices have risen. You arrive at work only to see all your coworkers gathered around your desk demanding that you apologize for the printer being jammed. On the way home from work, everyone on the highway screams at you because they are upset with the rush hour traffic.

Quite a ridiculous scenario, right? Can you imagine always being blamed for things that you have absolutely no control over? Can you imagine always being asked to apologize for these things? Can you imagine being hated whether or not you do apologize? This is what being a Muslim in America today feels like.

I am a proud American, raised in Texas. I’m a college student. I’m a humanitarian. I’m an aspiring physician. I’m someone who hopes to revolutionize access to medicine and healthcare in the United States and in war-torn countries across the world. I also am a M-u-s-l-i-m, one of over 1.6 billion who are blamed whenever an act of terrorism occurs as if we are nothing more than this 6-letter word hijacked by those who wrongly use our religion to justify their heinous crimes.

As a Muslim American who continually strives to do everything I can for the betterment of my community and this nation, I am tired of being asked to apologize and condemn terrorism that I have absolutely nothing to do with.

Here Are Five Reasons Why Muslims Should Never Have To Apologize for Terrorism: 

1) It’s ridiculous to ask us to apologize.
As a practicing Muslim, I know that my religion teaches peace. I am so certain of this fact that I will award anyone $10,000 if they can find me a verse in the Quran that says it’s ok to kill innocent people or to commit acts of terror. This is an open offer that will never expire.

I also know that Muslims, as a religious group, are not terrorists. I have factually proved this. I also have factually proved that you are more likely to be struck by lightening, crushed to death by a couch, or killed by a toddler, than to be killed by a Muslim.

This being said, why should I have to apologize for a violence that I have no connection to? A violence my religion blatantly stands against.

Ask yourself: Should car manufacturers have to apologize when drunk drivers kill people using their vehicles? Should you be required to apologize to the police if your sibling gets a speeding ticket because you share the same last name? Should every single gun owner in America have to apologize whenever someone is killed by a firearm? Should weathermen have to apologize for cloudy days? Should pharmacists have to apologize for your allergies? Should I have to apologize for the typos of another writer?

Unless you can find that $10,000 verse or unless you blatantly hear a Muslim explicitly supporting terrorism, please understand that asking us, both individually and collectively, to apologize for terrorism would be just as ridiculous as the questions above.

2) It should be obvious by now that Muslims condemn terrorism.
By now, it should be very clear that Muslims condemn terrorism. All it takes is a simple Google search of any terrorist attack to find the plethora of Muslims publicly condemning it. 

Muslims condemn terrorism, we always have. This is a fact. And just as I shouldn’t have to reassure you each morning that the sky is still blue, Muslims should not have to reassure you that we still condemn terrorism every single time a terrorist attack occurs.

And frankly, if you don’t already believe that Muslims condemn terrorism by now, then no apology or repeated broken-record condemnation from any Muslim or Muslim organization will help cure your intolerant hatred.

3) Muslims are at the very forefront of combating terrorism.
The only thing more ridiculous than asking people to apologize for something they have no connection to is to make people apologize for something they are working so hard to combat.

For the same reasons that firemen don’t apologize for fires and doctors don’t apologize for heart disease, Muslims should not be expected or asked to apologize for something they are working so hard to combat.

4) Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism.According to the Counter Terrorism Center at the United States Military Academy at West Point, Terrorists kills over seven times more Muslims than non-Muslims. According to the UN, Muslims are the largest victims of Terrorism .According to the State Department, Muslims are the largest victims of terrorism in general. No matter where you look, you will find that the strongest association between Muslims and terrorism is one in which Muslims are victims of it.

5) If we have to apologize for terrorism, then so should everyone else.
This last point is especially important. Why are Muslims the only group that are required to apologize for and condemn the actions of criminals that associate with their group?

To put things into perspective, ask yourself: Why aren’t all white males asked to apologize for the slavery that white males endorsed less than two centuries ago? The slavery in which one third of slaves were Muslims. Why aren’t all Buddhists asked to apologize for the radical Buddhist monks in Mynammarthat are violently attacking Muslims? Why aren’t all policemen asked to apologize for the racist cops that are dropping the bodies ofunarmed blacks like leaves in the autumn?

You must understand that just as you are detached from the heinous crimes mentioned above, I am just as detached from the terrorism that so many keep trying to link me with for no other reason than me being a Muslim.

You must understand that by asking me whether I condemn terrorism, you are questioning my humanity.

MASTURBATION... WHAT ISLAM SAYS ABOUT IT?? OR IS ISLAM QUITE ABOUT THE TOPIC??

Reply of Some messages!
May Almighty Allah help in the increment of our HAYAA!
please give some time for reading this. Allah will in'sha'Allah give you jazaye'khair.

Allah Ta’ala says:
“And those who guard their private parts save from their wives and those (slave-girls) which their righthands
own - so there is no blame upon them. Then whoever seeks beyond that (which is lawful), they are the
transgressors.’’ (Surah Al-Muminuun, Ayah 5 and 6.)

A hadith reported by Abdullah bin Mas’ud
(Radiyallaahu Anhu) in Bukhari and Muslim. He says that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“0 group of youth! Whoever from amongst you can marry should do so because it keeps the gaze low and it
protects the private parts. And he who cannot marry should make it compulsory upon himself to fast because
it breaks lust. (Bukhari, vol 6, pg 117 / Muslim, vol 10, pg 172)

Another Hadith reported by Hasan bin Arfah that Nabi
(sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Seven persons are such that Allah Ta’ala will not look at them on the Day of Qiyâmah nor will He purify
them nor will He include them amongst the learned and Allah will enter them into Jahannum. They will enter
Jahannum first except for those who repent. As for those who repent Allah will accept their repentance.
1. A person who MASTURBATES.
2. A person who performs the act of sodomy.
3. The person upon whom the act of sodomy is performed.
4. A perpetual drunkard
5. The person who hits his parents so much so that they appeal for help.
6. The person who harms his neighbours so much so that they curse him.
7. The person who commits adultery with his neighbour’s wife.” ( Ibne Katheer, vol 5, pg 458)
3. Hadhrat Anas (Radiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said:
“The person who performs nikáh with his hands (i.e. he masturbates) is cursed”. (Tafsir Mazhari, vol 12, pg
94)

1. It weakens the sexual organs and creates partial looseness in it.
2. It weakens the nerves generally - a result of the exertion caused by this action.
3. It affects the growth of the limbs especially the outer part of the urethra (duct through which urine is
discharged from the bladder and the testicles). Hence it does not reach the limit of it’s normal growth.
4. It creates seminal (spermatic) inflammation in the testicles which causes quick ejaculation of sperm.
5. It causes pain in the vertebra column, the spinal column from which semen is ejaculated. This pain creates
crookedness and twisting in the back.
6. It causes some limbs like the legs to shake and shiver.
7. It creates weakness in the cerebral glands of the brain which, in turn, weakens the power of perception and
reason. Similarly, it leads to the weakness of memory.
8. It weakens the eye-sight and reduces its normal limit of vision.
9. It causes a person to become old before time.
10. It weakens the very delicate and fine nerves and veins of the sexual organs resulting in sexual impotency.
11. It causes an excessive loss of sperm by way of nocturnal emission (wet dreams).
12. It decreases the natural resistance of the body.
13. It causes harm to the four principal organs in the body viz, the heart, brain, liver and stomach.
14. It decreases the natural animal heat in the body, heat which strengthens the soul and body.
15. It causes an excessive loss of blood. Remember it takes 80 drops of blood to produce one drop of sperm.
(Tajjus Sihat, pg 11)
16. It weakens the bladder.

“Three persons are such that it is a right upon Allah Ta’ala to help them:
1. The person who strives in the path of Allah;
2. The Mukatab slave who intends repayment (A Mukhatab slave is he who has a contract of frredom) and
3. The marrying person who intends chastity.”

"Gunna ka maza kuch minute tak hai"
"laikin uski saza humaisha kay lyea hai"

"Gunna say bachnai ki takleef b kuch minute tak hai"
"Laikin meray Rab ki taraf say uska enaam humaisha bar kay lyea hai" 

PROHIBITION OF ALCOHOL IN THE QURAN

Answer:

Alcohol has been the scourge of human society since time immemorial. It continues to cost countless human lives, and causes terrible misery to millions throughout the world. Alcohol is the root cause of several problems facing society. The statistics of soaring crime rates, increasing instances of mental illnesses and millions of broken homes throughout the world bear mute testimony to the destructive power of alcohol.

1.   Prohibition of alcohol in the Qur’an

The Glorious Qur’an prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verse:

"O ye who believe!
Intoxicants and Gambling,
(Dedication of) stones,
And (divination by) arrows,
Are an Abomination – 
Of Satan’s handiwork;
Eschew such (abomination),
That ye may prosper."
                                  [Al-Qur’an 5:90]

2.   Prohibition of alcohol in the Bible

The Bible prohibits the consumption of alcohol in the following verses:

a.       "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging; and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."
[Proverbs 20:1]

b.       "And be not drunk with wine."
                      [Ephesians 5:18]

 

3.   Alcohol is prohibited in the Hadith
The Prophet of Islam Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

a.       In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3371.

"Alcohol is the mother of all evils and it is the most shameful of evils."

b.       In Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3392

"Anything which intoxicates in a large quantity, is prohibited even in a small quantity."

Thus there is no excuse for a nip or a tot.

c.       Not only those who drink alcohol are cursed but also those who deal with them directly or indirectly are cursed by Allah.

According to Sunan Ibn-I-Majah Volume 3, Book of Intoxicants, Chapter 30 Hadith No. 3380.

It was reported by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said:

"God’s curse falls on ten groups of people who deal with alcohol. The one who distills it, the one for whom it has been distilled, the one who drinks it, the one who transports it, the one to who it has been brought, the one whom serves it, the one who sells it, the one who utilizes money from it, the one who buys it and the one who buys it for someone else."

PROHIBITION OF MAKING PICTURES IN ISLAM

One should realize that the prohibition of picture making is EXTREMELY SEVERE. It is counted among the enormities, and there are strict warnings against doing it.

Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim relate that a man came to Syedna Abdulla Ibn Abbas (Allah be well pleased with them both) and said, “My livelihood comes solely from my hands, and I make these pictures. Can you give me a legal opinion about them?” Ibn Abbas told him, “Come closer,” and the man did. “Closer,” he said, and the man did, until he put his hand on the man’s head and said: “Shall I tell you what I heard from the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Muhammed (Allah bless him and give him peace)? I heard the Messenger of Allah say, “Every maker of pictures will go into the fire, where a beast will be set upon him to torment him in hell for each picture he made. So if you must, draw trees and things without animate life in them.”

Imam Tirmidhi relates that the Holy Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “On the Day of Judgment, a part of hell fire will come forth with two eyes with which to see, two ears with which to hear, and a tongue with which to speak, saying, ‘I have been ordered to deal with three: he who holds that there is another god besides Allah, with every arrogant tyrant, and with makers of pictures.”

Further, Imam Bukhari, Imam Tirmidhi, and Imam Nasa’i relate the prophetic hadeeth from Ibn Abbas, “Whoever makes a picture, Allah will torture him with it on the Day of Judgment until he can breathe life into it, and he will never be able to do so.”

The reason for the prohibition of pictorial representation is that it imitates the creative act of Allah, the Supreme, as is indicated by the hadeeth related by Imam Bukhari and Imam Muslim that Syedah A’isha (Allah be well pleased with her) said, “The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) returned from a trip, and I had draped a cloth with a picture on it over a small closet. When he saw it, he ripped it down, his face reddened, and he said, “A’isha, the people most severely tortured by Allah on the Day of Judgment will be those who try to imitate what Allah has created.”

The foregoing ahadeeth show that producing representation is prohibited under any circumstances. Similarly just as making a picture is unlawful, so too is procuring one, because of the warning that pertains to the users, for pictures are only made to be used.

The determining factor in the prohibition of procuring images is the purposes for which they are procured. For example, someone who buys cookies with the shape of animals is not doing wrong if his purpose is to eat, though the maker of them is doing wrong. And similarly with books containing pictures, if the buyer intends obtaining the text, then the presence of pictures is the fault of the printer, not the buyer. The same holds for photographs required for official documents: the authorities are responsible for the sin, not the individual forced to comply.

BIG PROBLEM – SIMPLE SOLUTION – FOLLOW THE PROPHET (PBUH)

The Condemnation Of The One Who Worship ALLAH At The Grave Of A Righteous Man And How This Equates To The Worship Of Man ::

◔ In the Sahihain (i.e. Al-Bukhari and Muslim), Aisha (r.a.) reported: “Umm Salamah mentioned to Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) that in Abyssinia she saw a church full of pictures and statues. He (Peace be upon him) said:

“When a righteous man or pious worshipper among them dies they build a place of worship over his grave and set up all kinds of pictures and statues. They are the worst of all creatures before Allah. They combine the two evils; worshipping at the graves and making graven images and statues.”

◔ Also mentioned in Al-Bukhari and Muslim, that ‘Aisha (r.a.) narrated: “When death approached Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) he began to draw a piece of cloth (bed sheet) over his face, (sometimes covering and sometimes removing because of distress). He (Peace be upon him) said in that state:

“Allah’s curse be upon the Jews and the Christians for taking the graves of their Prophets as places of worship”, and warned the people about their actions. Had there not been any fear of making the Prophet’s grave a place of worship, his (Peace be upon him) grave would have been as open as the graves of his
Companions (r.a.).”

◔Muslim reported from Jundub bin Abdallah (r.a.) who narrated: I heard the Prophet (Peace be upon him) say only five days before his death:

“I am free and clear towards Allah of having any of you as my Khalil (specially close friend). Verily, Allah has taken me as His Khalil just as He had taken Ibrahim (Peace be upon him) as a Khalil. (If not for this) I would have taken Abu Bakr (r.a.) as a Khalil. Beware of those who preceded before you. They used to make their Prophets’ graves into places of
worship, I forbid you to do so.”

◔He (Peace be upon him) forbade this at the end of his life. After this [prohibition of taking graves as Masjid (place of worship)], he cursed anyone who did any such deed within this context.

◔Prayer at the graves is one of these deeds, even if no Masjid has been built. This is the meaning of his (Peace be upon him) words “He feared (his grave) would be taken as a Masjid”.

◔The Companions never built any places of worship around his grave. Any place which is intended for prayer or where prayer is performed has indeed been taken as a Masjid.

◔Just as the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The whole earth has been made for me a Masjid and it is pure and clean.”

◔ Ahmad has reported a good Sanad that Ibn Mas’ud (r.a.) narrated in a Marfu’ Hadeeth “The Most evil men are those upon whom the (signs of) Hour (of Resurrection) comes while they are still alive, and those who take graves as places of worship (Masaajid)”.
[Abu Hatim in his Sahih also reported this.]

✍ Important Issues of the Lesson :-

✏ The warning of Allah’s Messenger (Peace be upon him) on the one who builds a mosque to worship Allah near the grave of righteous persons even with a good intention.

✏ Prohibition of statues and likeness and the gravity of the matter.

✏ A lesson in the emphasis of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) on this. How he first explained and clarified the issues (politely), then five days before his death repeating what he said earlier, then how he found at the time of his death what was previously said insufficient in the context Prophet (Peace be upon him) strongly prohibited the turning of his grave into Masjid even before it had come into existence.

✏ It was the practice of the Jews and Christians to turn the graves of their Prophets into places of worship.

✏ His curse on the Jews and Christians for this practice.

✏ His intention in doing so was a warning to us regarding his grave.

✏ The reason for not raising his grave.

✏ The meaning of taking the graves as Masjid.

✏ The Prophet (Peace be upon him) linked those who took the graves as Masaajid to those upon whom the Hour will occur while they are still alive. He mentioned the means to Shirk before its actual occurrence along with its final consequence.

✏ The inclusion of Prophet (Peace be upon him) in his speech a refutation of the two worst sects of innovators just five days prior to his death. Some scholars have not included these two sects in the 72 sects. These sects are Ar-Rafidah and Al-Jahmiyah. The occurrence of Shirk and grave worshipping was due to the Rafidah sect, and they were the first to build Masjids over the graves.

✏ Suffering of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) with pain and affliction from the agony of death.

✏ A clear declaration that As-Siddiq (Abu-Bakr) (r.a.) was the best Companion.

✏ The indication to him (Abu-Bakr) as caliph [successor to the Prophet (Peace be upon him)].

SUICIDE AS SEEN IN ISLAM

What is life? 
Every breath of a human, every moment of his or hers life in all Religious traditions, their teachings, their guidance, their viewpoints, their perspectives is worth more than a priceless gem. These breaths the human being takes in order to survive in life and the moments of life itself are like the pearls of a necklace. Just as a pearl will embellish the appearance of that neck that wears the necklace of pearls, in the same way the life of a individual is enhanced by that person who looks after the moments of his life. No Treasure trove of any Ruler, no Sultanate of any Sultan, no Kingdom of any King, no Rulership of any Queen in tantamount is equal in value to one moment of an individuals life. Life in-fact in numerous places of the Quraan, either directly or indirectly, is described by Allah as a favour on human beings.
In one verse of the Quraan, Allah says,
" How can you disbelieve? Seeing that you were dead and He gave you life. Then He will give you death, then again will bring you to life (on the Day of Resurrection) and then unto Him you will return." (Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 28)

The Islamic concept 
Out of all the bounties Allah has bestowed upon human beings, the most precious is the gift of life. Each one us should remember that this life Allah has granted us, it is not our personal possession or our personal property. In-fact it is a trust from Allah, making us merely trustees. Because we are trustees we should utilise each and every moment of our lives in the paths that please Allah.
In one verse of the Quraan Allah informs mankind,
"And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone)". (Surah Adh-Dhariyat Verse 56)
From this verse we can learn the reason why Allah created mankind.
How precious is this gift of life, we can learn through the Holy Quraan, Ahadeeth (Traditions and Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him)) and the Shariah (Islamic Law).
For instance, in one verse of the Quraan, Allah says,
"He has forbidden you only the carrion (flesh of dead animals), and blood, and flesh of swine, and that which is slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah (or has been slaughtered for idols, on which Allah’s Name has not been mentioned whilst slaughtering). But if one is forced by necessity without wilful disobedience nor transgressing due limits, then there is no sin on him. Truly, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."(Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 173)
In the closing stages of this verse Allah talks about one who is forced to consume Haraam (unlawful) items due to the fear of death. Allah says, then there is no sin in him. For example, one is in severe hunger, such hunger that could lead to ones death, he consumes something that is Haraam (unlawful) e.g. Carrion, on the Day of Judgement he will not be questioned regarding these Haraam (Unlawful) items he consumed in order to save his life. Similarly one is fasting in the Month of Ramadhaan and severe thirst over-takes him, again it is permissible for him to break his fast in order to saves ones life. Even if he broke the fast by consuming Haraam (Unlawful) fluids e.g. Blood, Alcohol he will not be questioned regarding this. From this verse we can undoubtedly acknowledge how precious and valuable life is in the eyes of The Almighty Allah.

The philosophy of joy and pain 
Life in many people’s opinion is a journey. Some even sees it as a pilgrimage. In the Islamic perspective it is a journey far beyond death. It is like a trip around the world. We stop in many different Continents, Countries, Cities, Towns and Villages. Some bring happiness and some give us grief. The white beaches, beautiful rainforests, buildings etc would force a smile on the face of many a person regardless of what grief he is in, but the sight of the poor, war-stricken and weak will give one intense grief. Life is a test from Allah, He tests people in various ways and times. He tests some by blessing them with countless bounties to see if the servant appreciates what he has been blessed with by Allah and he shows gratitude towards Allah for blessing him with these bounties. At times Allah in his infinite wisdom, puts a person in intense grief, to see if the servant turns to Allah and seeks guidance and help.
Excellent examples of both situations are found in the life and story of the Prophet of Allah, Ayyub (AS). Allah granted him many bounties, then he gave him such illness that the people around him could not bear. Prophet Ayyub (AS) turned to Allah for help and Allah in his infinite mercy returned all the past bounties upon him. In some narrations it has been said that Allah gave him more bounties than the amount he had before his illness.
In the Quraan Allah has mentioned the call for help of Prophet Ayyub (AS). Allah says:
"And (Remember) Ayyub (Job), when he cried to his Lord: "Verily, distress has seized me, and you are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy". So We answered his call, and removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost) and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a reminder for all those who worship Us. (Surah Al-Anbiya Verse 83-84)
In another Surah of the Quraan Allah says regarding Prophet Ayyub (AS):
"And remember Our slave Ayyub (Job), when he invoked his Lord (saying):"Verily Satan has touched me with distress (by ruining my health) and torment (by ruining my wealth)! (Allah said to him): "Strike the ground with your foot: This is (a spring of) water to wash in, cool and a (refreshing) drink". And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof, as a Mercy from Us, and a Reminder for those who understand."And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith (your wife), and break not your oath. Truly, We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft- returning in repentance (to Us).
Like Prophet Ayyub, each and every one of us is tested by Allah in someway or another. Some turn to Allah and seek help, as in the case of Prophet Ayyub and others turn completely to the opposite side, which leaves many in grief. These people upon whom many grieve and mourn are the people who have turned to suicide.

The classical origin of suicide 
Suicide, or self-killing, has been known throughout the whole of recorded history and has been a phenomenon in every culture and social setting. It was noted in the Biblical Times within the Jewish and Christian faiths. It is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita within the Hindu faith, in classical Greece and Rome, and later throughout the Middle-Ages, when the reaction to the heresy of suicide was severe hostility from the Universal Church, whose later fathers railed against the canonical sin of despair.
Suicide occurs in every culture, not only in the Western developed world, but also in India, China and, despite severe theological prohibitions, in Islam.

The traditions of the Testaments 
Within the Judaeo-Christian tradition, there are eleven instances of suicide described in the Bible's Old Testament and one in the New Testament. Perhaps the most famous death in the former is the suicide of King Saul following his defeat in the hands of the Philistines, heard in David’s lament, and ‘how are the mighty fallen’. Saul had sought the assistance of his bodyguard to help kill himself. The soldier was horrified at the irreligious notion of killing his appointed King, and turned the sword upon himself. Saul, apparently aided by such an example, then followed suit. It appears that the avert prohibition against suicide was first formerly pronounced by Saint Augustine, who in his City of God describes the action as a ‘moral sin’.
The Church did not always condemn suicide when, for example, following some severe assault, such as rape, the victim took a ‘virtuous’ or honourable way out. She could then claim sympathy and the forgiveness of her society and family, in both Roman and Christian times.

The Qur'anic decree 
As shown, neither the Judaic nor Christian parts of the Bible are there direct injunctions against suicide. However, this is not the case in the traditions of the true religion, Islam, which continues to be a major influence upon many Islamic people.
There are a few quite specific sanctions expressed in the Quraan against self-killing. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also assigns suicide to the lower levels of Hell.
Allah says explicitly in the Quraan,
"And do not kill yourselves. Surely, Allah is Most Merciful to you". (Surah An-Nisa Verse 29)
In another verse of the Quraan, Allah says:
"And do not throw yourselves in destruction". (Surah Al-Baqarah Verse 195)
The impact of this injunction still has considerable force in Islamic countries, and it may be one reason why, with the exception of Jordan and Turkey, there is no recorded suicide in national statistics of the Islamic Nations. But, in the last decade or so there has been a substantial increase of suicide in Muslims living in Non-Muslim countries, namely Britain and America.

The modern implications 
The current attitude and dilemmas, unlike in previous times, suicide can be discussed relatively easily today, even within the mass media of the late twentieth century. For example, in the worldwide magazine Time there have been three major articles concerning suicide, which while acknowledging dilemmas, were mainly concerned with where firm baselines should be drawn, accepting without question the ‘obvious’ rationality of such actions in many situations. Yet a little more than 100 years ago, Robert Louis Stevenson, in what was considered to be a horrendous book, The Suicide Club, found himself almost at the extreme end of the case of language, because he could not describe in sufficiently villainous terms the leader of this ‘devilish’ club. Constantly, modern poets and novelist have almost celebrated suicide.

Why suicide?!? 
The reasons that lead a person to commit suicide are as numerous and complex as the thousands of people who do so every year. Below are a few contributing causes of suicide:

Unipolar affective disorder (Depression)
The mental disorder usually called ‘depression’ is now described as ‘unipolar affective disorder’. The term depression is of course problematic, in that a low mood, or sometimes a feeling of emotional glumness, of living ‘out of sorts’ or ‘fed up’, is a frequent experience for many people. In this sense it is ‘normal’ and many people can feel ‘depressed’ without having depression. There is another side to this coin, where a person can feel particularly well, ‘on a high’ or with a feeling of well being. This can be the experience of a large number of people without it being felt, thought or obseverd as a problem or a disorder. A person simply feels in a ‘good mood’.

The causes of depression are many:
1. Mood: There is a profound disturbance of mood, which is one of the prevailing sadness and misery.
2. Cognition (To think deeply): There is an important disturbance of cognition, so that everything around them is interpreted dismally. Sufferers can believe they are hateful, worthless and, at the extreme, that they are already dead and responsible for the evils in the world.
3. Energy: There are very often tell-tale changes in mood and energy, in which the mood is especially low in the early morning hours, with relative lighting of misery in the afternoon.
4. Sleep: There is a disturbance of sleep, where it is quite usual for a person to be able to sleep almost as soon as going to bed, but with early waking, sometimes accompanied by quite enclosed changes of mood.
5. Appetite: There is a loss in appetite, and an apparently liked food turns to such, that you cannot bear the sight of it.
6. Stress: Stress at work, home, school etc can cause severe depression which can lead to suicide.

Isolation and detachment
One of the most common sentiments expressed by many of those who resort to suicidal behaviour is a sense of detachment from others. This is not so much physical isolation but refers more to a sense of moral insulation, where the individual has come to define his, or her, situation as so hopeless that others cannot help to put it right.

Substance misuse (Drugs and alcohol)
Addiction to drugs and alcohol, in this day and age, has become a major factor, which leads a person to suicide. In the past few months the media around the world have shown many cases of suicide due to drug use. Some have also predicted if drugs like cannabis was to be made legal, the death toll will increase due to this. The media have shown the devastating effects suicide has on the society around the world through drug use.

Loss of family or friends
One may feel isolated after the death or separation from family members or friends. Loss of a relative/friend causes immense grief, which may cause one to think about suicide. Some commit suicide thinking they will join the dead in the grave.

Relationship break-ups
This many times has the same effect as the death of a loved one. Sometimes it may, make some feel life is not worth living.

Financial problems
One who is large debts, thinking he will never be able to pay-up and may resort to suicide, thinking he will no more have this burdensome responsibility on his head, leaving his next of kin this problem.

Sickness and disability
Severe sicknesses, which one cannot bear, can lead one to take his life. In many cases taking help from others in doing this act (Euthanasia).

(Above are only a few reasons why one may resort into taking his own life. Many others can be found through thorough research.)

Few events in life have the same impact on us as the suicide of a friend or a loved one. The loss of a loved one, from any cause, brings out intense grief and mourning. The response and emotions felt by the bereaved following suicide are very different to those felt after other types of deaths. The fact that a loved one's death appears to involve an element of choice, raise painful questions which deaths from natural or accidental causes do not. Bereavement by suicide is usually prolonged. The grief is characterised by agonising, questioning and the search for some explanation as to why the death of his loved one has happened. Bereavement in this way often encompasses strong feelings of abandonment and rejection.
The sense of shock and disbelief following suicide is very intense. The most common and disturbing aspect of grief after suicide is recurring images of death, even if it was not witnessed. The finding of the body can be a traumatic experience. Going over and over the very frightening and painful images of the death, and the feelings these create, is a normal process of grief.

The statistical domain 
Newly bereaved people always ask ‘why?’ However bereavement through suicide often involves a prolonged search for a reason or explanation to tragedy. Most people bereaved by suicide usually come to accept that they will never know the reason why a loved one did what they did. In the search for answers, different members of the same family may have different ideas as to why he/she took their life, it could strain family relationships, especially if an element of blame is involved.
Below, I have included statistics, which I have obtained for many different sources, including The Samaritans (www.thesamaritans.org).
· The World Health Organisation estimates that in the year 2002 approximately 1.1million people will die from suicide
· A global mortality rate of 17 per 100,000
· One death every 40 seconds from suicide
· In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 65% worldwide.
· Suicide is now among the three leading causes of death amongst those aged 14-44(both sexes)
· Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicide
· Although suicide rates have traditionally been highest amongst the elderly, rates among young people have been increasing to such a rate that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of all countries
· More people die from suicide than homicide in the USA, in 1997 there were 1.5 times as many suicides as homicide
· Mental disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are associated with more than 90% of all causes of suicide
· Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than women are. However , females are more likely to attempt suicide than males
· 2 suicides every day by young people in the UK and Republic of Ireland
· 80% of suicides by young men
· Suicide accounts for a fifth of all deaths of young people
· An estimated 24,000 adolescents self-harmed in 1998 – 3 every hour
· Alcohol and substance misuse are significant factors in youth suicide
· Contributory factors to youth suicide include unemployment, social isolation, recent inter personal life events and difficulties with parents, peers and partners
· 6,216 suicides in the UK, 439 suicides in the Republic of Ireland
· One suicide every 79 minutes in the UK and the Republic of Ireland
· More than two young people commit suicide every day in the UK
· Suicide figures are double the death toll from road traffic accidents
· Suicide is now the second most common cause of death in the UK for young people aged between 15-24
· People who make suicide attempts or threats are not just "attention seeking", but are at the risk of harming themselves
· Most suicidal people are undecided about living or dying, and try beforehand to let others know how they are feeling, or give clues or warnings
· Somebody tries to take his own life every three minutes
· In any given week, at least 463,000 people have serious thoughts about suicide
· Every year around 2500 children or young people phone child-line about feeling suicidal
· Overdosing accounts for 50% of female suicides and 25% of male suicides
· Under 25 year olds account for 9.26% of all suicides in East Lancashire. Of which 2.3% are of Asian heritage
 

 Statistics about suicide are difficult to collate, and many are inaccurate because of the sensitivity of the issue. According to some research suicide rates are 50%-60% higher than the official rate.

The deterrent factor 
There are three areas where the law is relevant to suicide. First, while attempting to commit suicide has not been illegal in Britain since 1961, it is still a criminal offence under the ‘Suicide Act 1961’ to help someone commit suicide. Second, health professionals who do not take reasonable precautions to safeguard a suicidal patient who then goes on to commit suicide may be sued for negligence in the civil courts. Third, in some cases, people felt to be at grave risk of harming themselves can be detained for their own safety under the ‘Mental Health Act 1983’ (England and Wales), 1984 (Scotland), or ‘Mental Health Order 1986’ (Northern Ireland).

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned suicide many times, a few of these incidents are recorded in Muhammad Ibn Ismael's, 'Sahih Al-Bukhari'. In one incident narrated by Thabit bin Ad-Dahhak (RA): the Prophet (SAW) said, "Whoever intentionally swears falsely by a religion other than Islam, then he is what he has said, (e.g. if he says, 'If such thing is not true then I am a Jew,' he is really a Jew if he is a liar). And whoever commits suicide with a piece of iron, he will be punished with the same piece of iron in the Hell-fire."
Narrated by Jundub: The Prophet (SAW) said, "A man was inflicted with wounds and he commited suicide, and so Allah said: My slave has caused death on himself hurriedly, so I forbid Paradise for him."
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said, "He who commits suicide by throttling shall keep on throttling himself in the Hell-fire (forever), and he who commits suicide by stabbing himself, he shall keep stabbing himself in the Hell-fire (forever)."
From the sayings of Allah and his Prophet (SAW), we can see suicide is not accepted in Islam and we can also see through other sources, it is also prohibited in other religions.

If one is thinking of committing suicide he should think about his friends and family, then he should turn to Allah and ask for his help. Talking to the Scholars and others would also help. Confidential information is also available through your GP. Many centres also offer help for people in these troubled times.

May Allah save us from this sin and give us all guidance to the straight path. May Allah save us from all types of grief and give us all entrance into Paradise.

WHAT DOES ISLAM SAY ABOUT SMOKING?

Introduction

Discovery Of Tobacco

 

Tobacco was discovered by the Spanish sailors on the American shores at about 1500 CE (900 AH). Since its discovery, the epidemic of smoking has continued to spread all over the world. In our times, one seldom finds a house not afflicted by it.

As early as the Seventeenth Century, the European countries realized the dangers of smoking and fought against it Laws were ordained in England, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, and other countries, prohibiting smoking and punishing violators.

Nowadays, the Western countries continue their attempts to protect their peoples from the harms of smoking. They employ media means, ordain laws and regulations, and apply other methods to discourage people from smoking. Because of that, the rate of smokers has declined to a certain degree in those countries.

Smoking Among Muslims

Smoking was introduced to the Muslim countries by the Europeans around 1000 AH. Its spread among the Muslims was similar to that in the West. The unfortunate fact, however, is that in the Muslim countries, no similar measures were exerted to protect the people from it. To the contrary, the media continues to adom smoking and encourage people to do it. This caused the epidemic of smoking to continue to spread in those countries to such an extent that it has become hard to control.

Smoking has become the rule, and abstaining from it the exception. Often, people look with astonishment and disdain at a person who when a cigarette is offered to him, declines to smoke explaining that he does not smoke.

Offering cigaretles to the guests has become among the first rules of hospitality. Anyone who does not offer them to his guests or insist on them to smoke would be violating the ethics of hospitality and generosity!

Furthermore, some of those who pretend to represent the Deen are among the worst addicts to smoking. When they are reproached or reminded of their vice, they respond by providing weak excuses to justify it in the name of Islaam. They slyly remark that there is no clear text prohibiting smoking. Therefore, they conclude, smoking is not prohibited, but is only makruh (disliked). By this, they provide a poor excuse for the ignorant, and establish a very bad example for others.

Many Muslims have been influenced by such statements, falling into the snares of addiction to smoking. This is observed all over the world. A striking example is that all American airlines now prohibit smoking, even on most international flights; on the other hand, for Muslim airlines, one travels in a near-suffocation state, even on short trips, because of the high number of smokers.

Thus, it becomes incumbent to write an article which provides evidence concerning the ruling of smoking in Islam. We hope that this will benefit our Muslim brothers and sisters; and we ask Allah (T) to accept it from us as a sincere deed for His pleasure.

Definition

Smoking refers to the action of lighting a cigarette, a pipe, a cigar, a water pipe, or any other object made from tobacco or materials of similar effects. The object is then sucked on with the lips to extract smoke. This smoke is inhaled into the chest and then exhaled from the nose and mouth as a thick white smoke. "Smoking" is now used to refer to the action of producing this smoke in English, Arabic, and other languages. 

Evidence for the Prohibition of Smoking

There are many reasons, any one of which aufficient to rule smoking prohibited. Most importantly, it is harmful in numerous ways. It is harmful to the Deen, health, environment, family, brotherhood and social relations, property, etc. The following sections will briefly outline some of its harms and evils.

Haram To The Deen

Smoking spoils a person's acts of worship and reduces their rewards. For instance, it spoils the prayer, which is the pillar of Deen. Allah's Messenger (sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) said: Whoever eats garlic or onion, let him avoid us and our masjid, and stay in his home. The angels are surely hurt by things that hurt the human beings⁽¹⁾

Those with clean and undefiled fitrah (nature) have no doubt that the smell emanating from the mouth of a smoker is worse and more foul than that from the mouth of one who ate garlic or onion. Thus, a smoker is in between two options, either to harm the praying people and the angels with his foul smell, or miss the prayer in jama'ah.

Smoking also spoils fasting. Fasting is very hard for the smoker. As soon as the day is over, he hastens to break his fast on an evil cigarette instead of sweet dates or pure water. Even if he fasts through the month Ramadan, a smoker is reluctant to fast on other days. Thus he loses the great reward of those who fast even one day in Allah's way. 

Harm To The Human Body

No one can deny the harm of smoking to the human body. The medical evidence for this is well established and overwhelming. Because of this, the law in the United States and many other countries requires including a warning on any smoking advertisement.

Smoking contains poisonous materials, such as nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, arsenic, benzopyrene, etc., that the smoker swallows in small proportions. Their harm accumulates with time to result in a gradual killing of the human organs and tissues.

The hazards of smoking to the health are hard to enumerate. Cancer, tuberculosis, heart attacks, asthma, coughing, premature birth, infertility, infections in the digestive system, high blood pressure, nervousness, mouth and teeth diseases, etc., are among the many health hazards that have been strongly linked to smoking.

These diseases may not appear all at once, however a smoker is most likely to suffer from some of them, and his suffering increases as he grows older. Furthermore, statistics have established that smokers' age is, on the average, ten years less than other people's. 

This is aufficient to prohibit smoking. Islam prohibits any action that causes harm to oneself or to other people. Allah (T) says (what means): 

 

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And the Messenger(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) says: No harm may be inflicted on oneself or others.⁽⁴⁾

The feet of a human being will not depart, on the day of Judgement, from his standing before his Lord, until he is questioned about five things: his lifetime - how did he pass it, his youth - how did he used it, his wealth - where did he earn it and how did he spend it, and how did he follow what he knew.⁽⁵⁾ 

Whoever consumes poison, killing himself with it, then he will he consuming his poison in the hellfire, and he will abide in it permanently and eternally.⁽⁶⁾ 

Harm To The Mind and Will Power

Smoking is harmful to the human mind and reason. An obvious demonstration of this is that one who is addicted to it passes through periods of severe craving, making it hard for him to think, concentrate, solve a problem, or do any important matter, until he smokes. 

When one smokes, his muscles slacken, and he passes through a brief period of delirium that curtains the thought. His digestive system is also affected, causing him frequent nervousness and trembling of the hands. He passes through periods of excitability, in itation, and insomnia.

Thus, instead of being Allah's slave, a smoker becomes slave to his cigarette. He develops a weaker control of his sense and reason. The faculty of reason, clear and unobstructed, is one of Allah's great bounties on people. He (T) praised it in numerous places of the Qur'an; and He called on people to use it to see the truth and obey Him in a better way. Allah wants of the believer to be strong and capable of controlling the reigns of his desires. He (T) said (what means): 

 

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Harm To The Environment

A smoker emits his poisons in the faces of his companions, wife, children, and the environment. It is well established that second-hand smoke is almost as dangerous as first-hand. Thus, whether they like it or not, a smoker's associates are forced to inhale the smoke and be themselves smokers as well.

In addition to the poisons normally carried in the smoke, if a smoker has an contagious disease, such as tuberculosis or influenza, his exhaled smoke and coughing carry the disease to those around him.

Furthermore, a smoker irritates people by the foul smell and poisonous nature of his smoking. If they suffer from asthma or allergies, they are forced to move away from his vicinity. The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) said: Anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt his neighbor.⁽⁸⁾

Thus, smoking constitutes a definite harm to other people; this is prohibited, as was indicated in the hadith cited earlier.

Also, a smoker is certainly a bad companion to sit with, as is depicted in the following hadith:

Verily, the example of a good companion and a bad one is like that of a perfume merchant and a blacksmith: As for the perfume merchant, he would either grant you (some perfume), or you would buy (some perfume) from him, or (in the least) you would get a good smell from him. And as for the blower of the bellows (ironsmith), you would either get a foul odor from him, or he would burn your clothes.⁽⁹⁾

Harm To The Property

A smoker wastes his wealth on that which harms and has no benefit; he will be asked about his wealth and how he spent it, as has been cited in the hadith earlier. His wealth belongs to Allah, so how would he dare to waste it in disobedience to Him? Allah (T) says (what means): 

 

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And the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) said: Allah hates for you three things: gossiping, begging, and wasting money.⁽¹²⁾

Furthermore, there are numerous cases of burnt carpets, furniture, and even complete houses and establishments that have resulted from this disastrous vice.

Moral Decadence

Smoking is a form of moral decadence. It is most spread among the low-class immoral people. It reflects blind imitation of the non-Muslims. It is mostly consumed in bars, discos, casinos, and other: places of sin. A smoker may beg or steal if he does not have the money to buy cigarettes. He is ill-mannered with his friends and family, especially when he misses taking his necessary "dose" at the usual time. 

Evil Substance

Smoking involves the consumption of an evil substance (khabeeth). It has a foul smell, foul taste, and is harmful to the body. This is aufficient to: prohibit it, because Allah (T) says (what means): 

 

<<(The Prophet) who will enjoin upon them the doing of what is right, forbid them the doing of what is wrong, make lawful to them the good things of life, prohibit for them the evil things, and lift from them their burdens and the shackles that were (previously) upon them.>>⁽¹³⁾ 

 

Resembling The People Of The Fire

A smoker inhales the smoke that does not give him any nourishment. This is similar to the action of the people of the Hell fire who eat harmful thorny plants: 

 

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Bad Example

A smoker, whether he likes it or not, makes of himself an example for his children and others to follow. He leads them to commit this evil. Actions sometimes have a stronger effect than words. Thus, even if he advises them or forbids them from smoking, his partaking of it provides them with a strong excuse to do it.

The problem is worse when the smoker is of known piety or knowledge. In such case, his harm becomes more emphasized, because more people take him as guide and example, and are thus lead astray by him. This multiplies his sins and increases his burden.

Hostility Toward The Good People

The majority of good people avoid smoking and stay away from smokers. Therefore, a smoker would be forced to stay away from them - at least while he smokes. He puts himself in a selective exile, creating a spiritual distance and hostility between him and the good people, and a closeness to the evil people. The effects of this become more apparent and acute with time. Note that this applies equally to any sin that a person commits, small or large.

Low Self Esteem.

A smoker despises himself, because he feels that a little cigarette is controlling him. Realizing his weakness before desires, this creates in him a feeling of defeat in the face of hardships. 

Scholars' Verdict

Since smoking became known to Muslims, all of the great scholars who have the capability of Ijtihad (deriving verdicts in new situations) agree to its prohibition. Thus, there is no value for baseless opinions, conflicting with this, provided by self-proclaimed lesser scholars.

Warnings

In discussing the subject of the prohibition of smoking, there are some important warnings that need to be mentioned:

As indicated before, the prohibition of smoking is not restricted to cigarettes, but applies as well to other objects that have similar effects such as cigars, pipes, water-pipes, chewing tobacco or sniffing tobacco, etc.The reasons mentioned above for prohibiting smoking apply as well, and more strongly, to various types of drugs and hashish such as marijuana and -tat. These materials have additional problems such as causing drunkenness, death, madness, etc.The prohibition of smoking is not restricted to consuming it, but applies as well to offering it to people, sitting with those who are smoking, or selling it. All of this involves helping people commit sins, which is prohibited, as Allah (T) says (what means): 
 
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Also, Allah's Messenger(sallallahu alaiyhi wasallam) said: Indeed when Allah prohibits something, he prohibits eating its price.⁽¹⁶⁾ 

Treating the Disease of Smoking

Only few of those addicted to smoking are able to stop it. The reasons for this are many, among which are the following:

The addictive nature of the poisonous substances contained in it.The smokers are not totally convinced of its prohibition.They do not have a strong determination to refrain from it. 

The following are some suggestions to help a person stop smoking:

Rely on Allah sincerely, with full determination not to return to smoking, in compliance with Allah's command: 
 
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Stop immediately instead of claiming it is best to do it gradually. The gradual approach is the way of one who does not trust his determination and the will power that Allah has granted him. Let the example be taken from the Sahabah who, as soon as Allah's command reached them regarding alcohols: 
 
<>⁽¹⁸⁾ they immediately poured out all the alcohol that they had and said, "We desist our Lord, we desist!" They did this despite the fact that alcohol has a greater addictive power over those who drink it.

Avoid the bad company of smokers and smoking environments that are full with the smell of smoke.

Change the food diet by abstaining from foods and drinks that would entice the craving to smoke such as spices, meat, tea, and coffee; and eating a lot of vegetables and fruits. 

Use medically tested and established procedures to help stop smoking, as directed by physicians, such as nicotine patches, nicotine gum, etc.

Expel the secret whispers of Satan who continuously dictates to the human being that he is weak and incapable of refraining from sinning, as Allah (T) says (what means) 
 
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References

"The Ruling of Smoking" by Muhammad bin Ibraaheem (r)

"The Ruling of Smoking" by ?Abdur-Rahman Bin Naasir as-Sa?di (r).

"The Ruling of Smoking" by ?Abdul-?Aziz Bin 'Abdullaah Bin Baaz.

"The Ruling of Smoking" by Muhammad Bin Salih al-'Uthaymin.

Hukm ul-lslami fit-Tadkhin by Muhammad Jamil Zinu.

Hukm ud-Dini fil-Lihyati wat-Tadkhin by 'Ali Hasan al-Halabi.

"Smoking and Its Effects on Health" by Dr. Muhammad 'Ali al-Barr.

I AM A MUSLIM AND I SAY NO TO VALENTINE'S DAY

I AM A MUSLIM AND I SAY NO TO VALENTINE'S DAY

WHY MUSLIMS DON'T CELEBRATE VALENTINE'S DAY?

1- In Islam, the festivals are clearly defined and well established, and no additions or subtractions may be accepted.

2- Celebrating valentine's day means resembling or imitating people of other religion.

3- The love referred to in this festival ever since the Christians revived it is romantic love outside the framework of marriage. The result of that is the spread of fornication and immorality.

So, how can we believe that valentine's day is of any benefit to Muslims? The truth is that it is a call for more permissiveness and immorality, and the forming of forbidden relationships.

The husband who sincerely loves his wife does not need this holiday to remind him of his love. He expresses his love for his wife at all times and on all occasions.

ISLAMIC POINT OF VIEW ON CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY

ISLAMIC POINT OF VIEW ON CELEBRATING VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine's day is celebrated on 14 February. it is called the day of Love and many Girls and boys propose each other on this day. if we see from Islamic point of view it is completely Haram to Celebrate valentine's day. Islam don,t gives us permission of doing such works its against Islamic as well as Eastern culture. People who propose others sisters on this day i have a simple question to them will you like if someone also propose your sister on this day?

Allah Swt says in the Holy Quran to men "Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modest". Allah Swt says to women in Holy Quran "And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments". According to Holy Quran and Hadiths of Rasool Allah Swt such works like valentine's day are totally Haram.

Valentine's day also encourages Non Mahram man and women to meet each other that is against Islamic guidelines. its also the copy of unislamic culture. Valentine's day also increase vulgarity. The above points are enough to prove that Valentine's day is Unislamic and Haram.

WHY VALENTINE'S DAY CELEBRATION IS PROHIBITED (HARAM) IN ISLAM?

QUESTION??

Why Valentine's Day celebration is Prohibited (Haraam) in Islam ? ? ?

ANSWER BY ‪#‎DrZakirNaik‬

Valentine’s Day is a jaahili Roman festival, which continued to be celebrated untill after the Romans became Christian. This festival became connected with the saint known as Valentine who was sentenced to death on 14 February 270 CE. The kuffaar still celebrate this festival, during which immorality and evil are practised widely.

It is not permissible for a Muslim to celebrate any of the festivals of the kuffaar, because festivals come under the heading of shar’iah issues which are to be based on the sound texts.
Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Festivals are part of shari’ah, clear way and rituals of which Allah says :
“To each among you, We have prescribed a law and a clear way”
[al-Maa’idah 5:48]

“For every nation We have ordained religious ceremonies which they must follow”
[al-Hajj 22:67]

Indeed, festivals are one of the most unique features that distinguish various religions and among their most prominent symbols, so joining in with them is joining in with the most characteristic and prominent symbols of kufr. No doubt joining in with this may lead to complete kufr.

To conclude: the Mulsims should not do any of their rituals at the time of their festivals; rather the day of their festival should be like any other day for the Muslims. The Muslims should not do anything specific in imitation of them. End quote from Majmoo al-Fataawa (25/329).

The clear evidence of the Quran and Sunnah – indicates that there are only two festivals in Islam:
1 .Eid al-Fitr and
2. Eid al-Adha.
Any other festivals that have to do with a person, a group, an event or anything else are innovated festivals, which it is not permissible for Muslims to observe, approve of or express joy on those occasions.
Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” Valentine’s Day comes under this heading because it is an idolatrous Christian festival, so it is not permissible for a Muslim who believes in Allah and the Last Day to observe it or approve of it or congratulate people on it. Rather he has to ignore it and avoid it, in obedience to Allah.

RAPING WITH THE EYES

Are you one of those who check out ladies on the streets , bus , train or anywhere you see them ? You check her out and in a flash you can tell all about her size and shape. You can also tell color of her lipstick , how her hair was done and what clothes she was wearing , etc ,etc ....

Do you end up saying "wow"...

In modern western terms this is called : Checking her out.

Its also called : Raping with the Eyes.

Rape : The crime of forcing another person to submit to sex acts, especially sexual intercourse

But hey , we did not do anything. We did not even touched or talked with her. How could i have "raped" her with my eyes ? For that ask yourself say... Did not you look at places where you are not allowed to look at non-mehram women ? Somewhere in your mind , you got a naughty thought about her. All said and done.... let us now look from ladies point of view ? Well "THEY DO NOT LIKE IT AT ALL" .

Jareer ibn Abdullaah said: "I asked the Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) about an accidental glance at a woman. He commanded me to turn my gaze away." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi). Commenting on this hadeeth, al-Mubaarakpoori said: "Accidental" means that his gaze fell on a non-mahram woman unintentionally. "He commanded me to turn my gaze away" means that we are not to look a second time, because the first glance was not by choice and would be forgiven, but any further glances would be counted as sin, and we should heed the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning): "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things)…" [al-Noor 24:30]"

The Messenger of Allaah (pbuh) said: "O Ali, do not follow a glance with another, for you will be forgiven for the first, but not for the second." (Reported by al-Tirmidhi)

And if you think that Allah swt does not know where you were looking and what thought went through your mind ? Allah says, “Allah knows the fraud of the eyes, and all that the breasts conceal.” (Surah Ghafir 40:19).

“The adultery of the eyes is the sight (to gaze at a forbidden thing), the adultery of the tongue is the talk,… and the inner self wishes and desires and the private parts testify all this or deny it.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari (no. 6612), Muslim, Ahmed].

Misconception among men We are allowed to look (meaning stare/gaze) at non-muslims women. We are allowed to look at the exposed parts of the ladies those who have exposed themselves. We are ONLY NOT allowed look at muslim girls & it is a sin to look (meaning to stare/gaze) at a muslim lady wearing burkha/hijab. But hey , even if it is sin , it is a minor sin.

The prophet (pbuh) has said "Beware of small sins because small sins when accumulated turn in to a big fire..." You must have all heard this hadith : Ibn Abbas narrated that the Messenger of Allah (saws) passed by two graves and said, "One of them is (getting punishment in the grave) for not cleaning himself after urine...." Related by Bukhari and Muslim. So when the person goes through such a severe punishment for "small sins"... then you be rest assured that your these so called "small sins" (done on daily basis) have turned in a big heap of fire. One of the fitnahs (temptations) with which we are tested is the fitnah of women, as the Prophet (pbuh) said: “I have not left behind me any fitnah (temptation) more harmful to men than women.”

What needs to be done:

1 – Faith in Allaah. Faith in Allaah and fear of Allaah provide a safety valve and protect a person against committing haraam actions and following his own whims and desires. If the believer becomes aware that Allaah is always watching and if he ponders the meanings of His names and attributes, such as the All-Knowing, the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing, the Watchful, the Reckoner, the Preserver, the All-Encompassing, that will generate fear of Him in secret and in public, and will put a stop to disobedience towards Allaah, and will reduce the strength of desire that leads many people to commit haraam actions.

2 – Lowering the gaze and avoiding looking at haraam things The gaze can generate bad thoughts in the heart, which then lead to ideas and then to desires, then to will and resolve, and then inevitably to doing haraam things. Think about the meaning of this verse which makes a connection between the first steps towards haraam and the end result. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts). That is purer for them. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what they do” [al-Noor 24:30]

3 – Warding off evil thoughts Bad thoughts pose a danger to the heart… If a person dwells on them and does not push them away, they will develop into an idea, then into will and resolve, then this will inevitably lead to haraam actions. Beware of dwelling on passing thoughts; rather what you must do is to ward them off and crowd them out with good thoughts. The treatment, then, is to ward off these passing thoughts and keep yourself busy with beneficial thoughts.

4 – Marriage It was narrated that Abd-Allaah ibn Masood said: The Prophet (pbuh) said: “O young men, whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, and whoever cannot, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” Narrated by al-Bukhari.

5 – Fasting – because of the hadeeth quoted above, in which it says, “…and whoever cannot, let him fast, for it will be a shield for him.” Narrated by al-Bukhari. The less a person eats, the weaker his desire becomes, and the weaker his desire is, the less sins he commits.

6 – Keeping away from bad companions. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “A man will follow the way of his close friends, so let each one of you look at who he takes as a close friend.” Narrated by Abu Dawood.

FESTIVALS.. WHY SHOULD WE NOT CELEBRATE?...?

Muslims are advised to distinguish themselves in their external appearance adopting Islamic ways and methods in all their affairs, whether worldly or Deeni. By this, it is meant that Muslims are recognised and identified by a single religious culture or code, which is purely Islamic. Islam prohibits adoption of the ways and appearance of other beliefs, cultures, customs and nations. Therefore it is very essential that Muslims guard themselves against assimilation into other non-Muslim cultures. The external appearances of Muslims may be classified under the following points:

Acts that eliminate a Muslim's identity which are obviously Haraam even if they are not the special characteristic of other communities such as wearing shorts (thus exposing the satr), etc. are forbidden.Acts that are prohibited to imitate because it is alien to a nation or community. For example, to eat sitting at tables with knives and forks. This manner of eating is contrary to the Sunnah. Similarly, ways adopted from the non-Muslims that are of religious significance like wearing the cross, celebrating Christmas, etc. would amount to Kufr.Acts that are not exclusive to any particular community. The adoption of such acts will be permissible, like dressing as long as the satr is covered. However, this does not apply to a specific religious garb.Acts that have neither religious nor cultural significance. Such things are of real value and benefit even if they are inventions of the non-Muslims; there is nothing wrong in adopting them. For example, transport, technology, communications, weapons and other things of benefit. However, if Muslims have their own equivalent, then they should make use of their own products and not give preference to the products of the non-Muslims.Islam also prohibits Muslims to imitate "Muslims" (Faasiqs and Faajirs) who openly flout the Laws of Allah like shaving the beard (for men).

Undermentioned are a few verses of the Holy Qur’an and Ahaadith pertaining to the subject matter: 

‘Do not incline to the transgressors for then the Fire will touch you.’(Surah Hood 113)

The above ayat sufficiently warns Muslims not to adopt or imitate the culture and customs of the non-Muslims.Shaitaan said, ‘...I will teach them to ruin the appearance made by Allah....’(Surah Nisaa 119)

Appearance by virtue of customs is subjected to change with the times and attitudes of people, but this is not so in the Shariah. Shaitaan will always be on the ?backs' of people to renovate their thinking to ?live with the times'.Hadhrat Ibn Umar (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah(Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ?Whoever imitates a nation (in its ways and culture) becomes one of them.' (Abu Dawood)

 By adopting even the appearance of the non-Muslims, that in itself is association with them and is therefore sinful. Hadhrat Abu Raihaanah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that once Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) prohibited ten things. Among these ten things prohibited was to line garments with silk in the style of the non-Muslims (of that time).(Abu Dawood, Nisaai)Hadhrat Hajjaj Bin Hassaan (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates: "We went to meet Hadhrat Anas (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) (a prominent Sahaabi; on this occasion Hajjaj was a little boy). My sister Mugheera told me that at that time I was a little kid and I had two plaits on my head. Hadhrat Anas (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) rubbed his hand over my head, made Dua for barakat and said: 'Cut off these plaits because this is the style of the Jews.' (Abu Dawood)Hadhrat Aamir Bin Sa'd (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrating from his father says that Rasulullah said: "Maintain clean the area in front of your houses and do not imitate the Jews."(Tirmizi)Hadhrat Ali (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that once Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) had an Arabian crossbow in his hand. On this occasion Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) saw a crossbow of Persian origin in the hands of a Muslim. Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) commented: "Throw it (the Persian bow) away and take one like this (Arabian bow)..."(Ibn Majah)Hadhrat Huzaifah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Recite the Qur’an in Arabic style and tone (i.e. correct and with simplicity) and refrain from the style and tone of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians...)" (Baihaqi)

Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) went to great lengths disapproving the imitation of non-Muslims even in the recitation of the Noble Qur’an as mentioned in the last Hadith (above). Hence nations that do not follow the Shariah should not be imitated. Therefore any act, be it the celebration of a particular community that may or may not necessary be religious, but merely associated to their "way of rejoicing" falls under the same banner - imitating the non-Muslims. The question of Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. may be categorised under one of the classifications mentioned earlier in our discussions.